Learn how to pack light, avoid bag fees and
still have room for those must-have souvenirs. Use our
Ultimate Cruise Packing List to make sure you have everything
you'll need for your cruise vacation. Be sure to read our Top 10 Packing Tips
for a cruise.

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From sea to shore, from must see sights to must-do
adventures, to departure dates, everything you
need to know about shore excursions before you go on
your Princess cruise. Such as our Ultimate Shore Trips
List. The definitive guide to what to do ashore on your
next cruise.

Packing for your cruise vacation can be a challenge. The
only thing we can think of that you might dread more is unpacking when you get home!
Through the years, we have learned that a packing
list is essential. Over the years, we have have learned "the
hard way" by forgetting some essential item and then having to purchase it at
double (or more) the price on the cruise ship or in a port of call.

One important packing tip -- If traveling with
a companion or spouse, divide your checked items into two (or more) suitcases.

That way, if one is lost, you will both have
some clothing to wear! It would be terrible for your spouse to have all of his
clothes and you to have nothing but your carry-on. Also, be sure to carry-on
anything that you cannot live without for a couple of days (or more), just in
case your luggage is lost or delayed.

.

Use the list
below as a starter and modify it for
your personal tastes. Some essentials and general items follow of this page, and
I have a separate list for
women
and men.

Essentials

airline tickets or e-ticket confirmation

cruise documents

passports and visas (if necessary) or proof of
citizenship (check with your cruise line for requirements)

vaccination certificate (if required)

wallet and fanny pack

driver's license and auto insurance card - in
case you decide to rent a car when ashore

medical insurance cards and medical history
(especially if traveling alone)

another picture ID - if you don't take
driver's license

credit cards - be sure to call credit card
companies before traveling to alert them you are traveling outside your normal
area ATM card

Women going on holiday take twice as many clothes as they actually need, a new
survey has revealed. For years, husbands and boyfriends have been bemused by the
amount of clothes their female partners crammed into suitcases. And now a new
survey commissioned by P&O Cruises has confirmed what they always suspected -
that half the garments never get used.

However, a leading psychologist today said that the 'over-packing' should not be
seen as a fault as it demonstrates women's ability to plan for every
eventuality.

Cary Cooper, professor of organizational psychology at Lancaster University,
said that women only packed too many clothes because they had greater foresight
than men. "Women are planners and they look at every eventuality. They are also
likely to think 'better to be safe than sorry'. This is why they pack so many
clothes when they go on holiday. And what's wrong with packing too much? It's
better than packing too little which is what men are likely to be guilty of'' he
said.

• Always carry your cruise and airline documents on you and not in your luggage
or carry-on bag.

• Stuff a small collapsible light weight bag or two into your suitcase. At the
end of your cruise, use the bag for your laundry or those souvenirs' you bought.

• Before your go, take a picture of your luggage inside and out. This will make
them easier to identify your belongings if they are lost.

• Always ask your cruise agent about any specific clothing needs for your
particular ship. Some ships
have special requirements that may affect your packing plan.

• Although you can purchase many items on ship or in cruise ports, you will
often pay a heavy
premium, and may not find exactly what you need. For example, film for your
camera will cost
significantly more once you leave home and you may not find the size or speed
you require.

• Try to pack clothing that is re-usable on the cruise. For example, a men's
blazer may be used on a
formal night if packaged with the proper shirt & tie. The same blazer can be
used with an open-neck
shirt or a less-formal shirt and tie for an informal night. A formal skirt can
be mixed with different
blouses and/or jackets for varying effects.

• Formal nights are not necessarily extremely formal. Some passengers, who enjoy
dressing up, will
go all out with tuxedo's, long gowns, etc. On most seven-night cruises, this is
not necessary. The
majority of men wear a suit or blazer with white shirt and conservative tie on
formal nights. Many
women wear cocktail dresses, fancy dresses, or suits. It’s like getting dressed
for a nice wedding.
Young boys can wear nice slacks with a shirt and a tie. The more expensive the
ship, the more likely
that formal wear will be worn.

• Many ships have self-serve laundry and ironing facilities in addition to the
available washing and/or
dry cleaning. Sometimes it makes sense to do a load or two during the cruise
rather than pack
enough of everything for your entire trip.

• It's quite possible to avoid getting dressed up during a cruise. How? Simply
plan to eat your evening
meal in the Lido restaurant during formal nights, or have room service that
night. You can even have
a snack and a nap at dinnertime, and enjoy the midnight buffet in casual attire.
If you're interested in
a totally casual cruise, ask your cruise agent how the line you've chosen
handles casual evening
meals. By the way, Lobster tails are commonly served on one of the formal
nights. If that's important
to you, ask your waiter which night the lobster will be served.

• If you choose to travel with expensive jewelry, use the purser's safe when
you're not wearing it.
Although room safes are available on many ships, only valuables locked up in the
purser's safe are
covered under the ship's insurance (check you cruise contract, usually supplied
with your cruise
documents). Frankly, we'd recommend leaving your very expensive and/or priceless
jewelry at
home, or in your bank's safe deposit box.

• If you're planning to buy t-shirts, hats, etc. on the ship or ports of call,
why not wear them on your
cruise? You'll cut down on the amount of clothing you'll bring, and you won’t
need to plan for extra
space on your trip home. If you under-packed (unlikely), you can purchase
additional clothing during
the cruise.

• In the tropics, use light cotton clothing as often as possible. You'll be
cooler and more comfortable.

• Plan your carry-on load carefully. A larger carry-on bag (within airline
carry-on requirements) is
useful so that you can comfortably carry a change of clothing. Keep your
carry-on bag safe when
you're in the airport; never leave it unattended.

• Carry all documents, medicines, essentials, and valuables with you in your
carry-on. If your main
article of luggage is lost or misplaced, can you exist with what you're
carrying?

• Do not plan to find space for a garment bag on an aircraft. Better to
carefully pack your clothing in a
suitcase than to jam it into an overhead compartment.

• Instead of bringing full-size toiletries, like a full bottle of shampoo, save
or purchase smaller plastic
bottles and bring only what you need. Try sealing plastic bottles in zip-lock
bags for added
protection.

• Zip-lock baggies, preferably the thicker freezer-type, are great for keeping
things dry, especially when you go to the beach. You can stuff your credit
cards, driver’s licenses, cash, etc. in them and keep them safe inside your
bathing suit. We recommend double-bagging them and you won’t have any
problems with leakage.

• There are several reasons to bring your cell telephone with you on the cruise:
1) If you run into
delays, you can call your cruise agent, airline, limo service, etc. without
standing in line for a
telephone; 2) You can use your telephone on the ship before it departs, and
while it is still close to
land; 3) You can make calls on the day you return. A cell phone is great for
calling a cab or a ride
from home, or making arrangements with friends who are already ashore; 4) Many
ports have
cellular service so that you can make calls directly without finding a phone
booth. Cellular rates are
usually much less than the ship's satellite rates. Some common cruising areas
have surprisingly
good coverage (The Bahamas, Bermuda, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, and Grand
Cayman, to
name a few), and if you have free roaming as a part of your service, the call
might even be free; 5)
You never know how a cell phone will help you in transit should an emergency
arise. It givessomeone else the ability to call you, which is sometimes invaluable.

• Since many ships are installing e-mail and internet capabilities, you may wish
to bring along a list of
important e-mail addresses and web site URL's. Although this can get expensive,
you might find it
worthwhile, particularly if you keep close track of an investment portfolio or
have important e-mail
messages.

• If you really depend on a hair dryer, plan to bring your own. Even if the ship
provides them, you may
not find them to be powerful enough to handle your needs, particularly if you
have long or heavy hair.

• A pair of personal communications devices (as kids, we used to call these
walkie-talkies) is useful in
keeping track of your traveling companions on the ship. As ships become larger,
it becomes more
difficult to keep track of one another. This is a perfect tool for young
teenagers (check your batterysupply!). Some ships even offer them for rent during the cruise.

• A few emergency items are useful, particularly the flash light. It's nice to
know that you have an extra light for your room, and it could come in very handy
should your ship develop some temporary
generator malfunctions. You’ll also want to take a nightlight if you’re staying
in an inside cabin.

• For Alaska and Northern Europe: Replace shorts, t-shirts, and short-sleeve
shirts with warmer
counterparts. Although you may wish to have one set of warm-weather clothing for
afternoon wear
on a warm day, you'll be more comfortable with warmer clothing.

• For Alaska: You can dress down just a bit. Jeans are acceptable/desirable for
daytime wear. Bring
rain wear, waterproof footwear, wool socks, a warm sweater, a wind-proof shell,
warm gloves, and a
stocking cap. Although you may not NEED this much if the weather is warmer, cold
(low 50's), windy
and rainy weather is not uncommon along the coast of Alaska.

• For Northern Europe: Temperatures can be cool during the summer, particularly
in the evenings.
Baltic cruises tend to be dressier. A warm sweater and gloves might be useful,
particularly in late
August. Absolutely bring an umbrella!

• For the Mediterranean: Summer temperatures are similar to the Caribbean.
Spring/Fall are cooler
and more formal. Winter Cruises in the Med can be very cool, although snow/ice
are not likely.

• For Bermuda: Weather is beautiful from May through October, although cruising
to/from New York or
Boston can be quite cool in early and late seasons. Bermuda is in the Gulf
Stream, while New York
and Boston aren't, so be prepared for a change in weather!

• Most cruise lines do not permit you to carry alcohol on board due to customs
regulations.

Provided for reference only.
Information is subject to change with out notice. You should
check with your airline or the TSA for the latest
up-to-the-moment rules, regulations and restrictions. visit
www.tsa.gov

Be prepared.
Each time TSA searches a carry-on it slows down the
line. Practicing 3-1-1 will ensure a faster and
easier checkpoint experience.

3-1-1 is for
short trips.
If in doubt, put your liquids in checked luggage.

Declare
larger liquids.
Medications, baby formula and food, and breast milk
are allowed in reasonable quantities exceeding three
ounces and are not required to be in the zip-top
bag. Declare these items for inspection at the
checkpoint.

Special Needs

Don't Pack More Than You
NeedAirlines have a weight limit ( around 50lbs per person, per bag )
so be frugal when you pack. Not only will it lighten your load, it will
save you from significantly high extra bag fees.

The sea is calling. It whispers your name, inviting you to a place more beautiful than anything you've seen. Where light dances on the waves, and the gentle sound puts you at ease. Where you can enjoy a pina colada, a massage, ice skating and rock climbing all in one place. Only Royal Caribbean International and Travel Direct Online delivers the one vacation that's a full sea of possibilities.

Camera. Sunscreen.
Swimsuit. Okay, now that we've got the basics
out of the way, here are a few must-have cruise
items that'll

help make your vacation
more comfortable, enjoyable and memorable.

1. On
the first day...
For the first day of your cruise, pack a small
carry-on bag with your travel documents, a
change of clothes, bathing suit, workout
clothes, and any medications you may need. That
way you don't have to wait for your checked bags
to arrive in your stateroom.

Pack two
bathing suits (an extra suit in case the other
is wet) and a pair of casual shoes (e.g.,
flip-flops, sandals, sneakers). You'll also need
some casual shorts and a couple of t-shirts or a
cover-up for getting to and from the pool areas.

4. Onboard fitness center...

If you're
planning to visit our onboard fitness center, be
sure to bring extra shorts, t-shirts and socks
that you won't mind working out in - plus a pair
of tennis or running shoes/sneakers.

5. Dinner attire...
Meals in the main dining room follow this
schedule:

Cruise
Length

Casual

Smart Casual

Formal

3-night

2

0

1

4-night

3

0

1

5-night

3

1

1

6-night

3

1

2

7-night

4

1

2

8-night

4

2

2

9-night

5

2

2

10-night

6

2

2

11-night

7

2

2

12-night

6

3

3

13-night

9

2

2

14-night

8

3

3

15-night+

Remaining
Casual

3

3

Suggested
guidelines for these nights are:

Casual: Sport shirts and slacks for men,
sundresses or pants for women

Smart Casual: Jackets and ties for men,
dresses or pantsuits for women

Formal: Suits and ties or tuxedos for
men, cocktail dresses for women

6.
For fun... There are four very important
types of books you'll want to consider packing:

Travel guides - to help you explore new
destinations

Poolside pleasures - nothing beats a
great read in the sun

Journal - keep an account of your
adventure for sharing and reminiscing

Address book - send your friends a
postcard to make them jealous

Binoculars
are another often forgotten, yet indispensable
travel item. Be sure to pack a pair for
magnified excitement onboard and onshore.

7. Save space...
Be sure to leave some room in your luggage for
all those souvenirs and mementos. Some
space-saving ideas include:

Bring shirts and pants/skirts that mix
and match, turning three outfits into
five or six.

Wear your heaviest shoes during
embarkation and disembarkation so you
don't have to pack them.

Pack small items inside larger ones for
efficiency.

Bring an additional empty bag for those
acquired extras.

The number
of smart casual and formal nights is at the
ship's discretion.
Note: *Some 12-night European cruises may have 3
formal nights

For formal
nights you'll need cocktail dresses for women,
suits and ties - or tuxedos - for men. And for
the smart casual nights bring dresses or
pantsuit for women, jackets for men.

Remember, shorts, T-shirts, and bathing suits
are not considered appropriate attire in the
dining rooms at dinner. Casual dress dining is
available nightly in the Windjammer Cafe. And be
aware you'll also need smart casual attire for
some of our specialty restaurants.

8. Onshore attire...
You'll need comfortable walking shoes, as well
as a hat and sunscreen for protection from the
sun.

If you are cruising to Northern Europe or
Alaska, remember that nights on deck can be
cool. Bring sweaters, jackets and long pants.
And if you'll be touring any museums, cathedrals
or churches, it's always wise to dress
conservatively. You may also want to bring a
raincoat, hiking shoes and a travel umbrella.
And don't forget your swimsuit - it may be cool
outside but it's always warm in our Solarium.

9. What Not To Pack
Weapons, illegal drugs, and other items that
could interfere with the safe operation of the
ship or the safe and secure environment of our
guests and crew are prohibited. The United
States Transportation Security Administration
also recommends that you do not pack fragile or
expensive items (such as jewelry) in checked
luggage.
The following are examples of items that guests
are not allowed to bring onboard. These and
other similar items will be confiscated upon
being found. Alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs,
flammable liquids, explosives, and dangerous
chemicals will not be returned.

Firearms & Ammunition, including realistic
replicas.

*Sharp
Objects, including knives and scissors.

Illegal
Drugs & Substances

Candles
& Incense

Coffee
Makers, Clothes Irons, & Hot Plates

Baseball Bats, Hockey Sticks, Cricket Bats,
Bows & Arrows

Skateboards & Surfboards

Martial
Arts Gear

Self-Defense Gear, including handcuffs,
pepper spray, night sticks.

Flammable Liquids and Explosives, including
lighter fluid and fireworks.

HAM
Radios

Dangerous Chemicals, including bleach and
paint.

**Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Note:

*Personal grooming items such as safety razors
are allowed. Scissors with blade length less
than 4 inches are allowed.
** Alcoholic beverages that are purchased in
ports-of-call or from shops onboard will be
stored by the ship and delivered to you on the
last day of the sailing. Alcoholic beverages
seized on embarkation day will not be returned.

10. Don't Pack Valuable
Jewelry. Blend in - Don't Stand Out.

Vacationers are common targets for
thieves and luggage often gets lost along the way, so don't pack anything
you cannot afford to lose or replace. Criminals and con-artists look for
people who stand out with flashy jewelry. Leave all that stuff home and
dress so you fit in with the locals. Pack any valuable items you bought
while on your cruise in your carry-on. Too many checked bags end up as lost
luggage.

NOTICE:Information posted on this web site was accurate when published, but rates, sailing dates, ports-of-call, discounts, special offers and amenities such as shipboard credit or cabin upgrades and all other aspects of any of the cruises listed at this web site can be changed by the cruise line or travel provider without notice. So, contact your travel agent, travel provider or the cruise line to get the latest updated sailing schedule, itinerary, prices and availability BEFORE planning your cruise vacation. 2001-2014 Travel Direct Corporation. All rights reserved. Travel Direct Corporation - Cruise Direct Online offers travel deals and provides news, tips and advice on vacations. Cruise Direct Online news, tips and advice are provided by Cruise Traveler Magazine and Cruise Reviews Online editors Raye & Marty Trencher, other reporters or freelance writers, and from additional outside consumer and editorial sources. Reporters and editors involved in creating and writing these articles are in no way affiliated with any advertiser or with any placement of advertising links that appear in the stories. From time to time, you may also see advertorial stories, Google generated ads, cruise line ads or other ads from travel service provides on the site. Ads and stories are paid advertisements that offer useful information. Cruise Direct Online also delivers deals from our cruise-fulfillment partners, Travelocity, Expedia, Cruise Ship Centers and others. The links provided in those stories as well as any links to cruise ship itineraries. sailing dates, deals and offers go to our partner booking sites. Any arrangements you make with these partner booking sites is strictly up to you and Travel Direct Corporation, Cruise Direct Online and any of our company owned travel related sites are not responsible for those arrangements. Cruise Direct Online is not responsible for content on external sites. Travel Direct Online, the Cruise Direct Online logo, Cruise Traveler Magazine and the Cruise Traveler logo, "Cruises. They're Not Just A Vacation. They're The Time Of Your Life!." Cruise Reviews Online and Family Cruises Online are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Travel Direct Corporation. in the US and/or other countries. Other logos or product and company names mentioned herein may be the property of their respective owners.

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